Today in History:

694 Series I Volume XXXVII-I Serial 70 - Monocacy Part I

Page 694 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter XLIX.

KEARNEYSVILLE, W. VA., June 29, 1864-7.30 p.m.

Major MEYSENBURG,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

An escaped prisoner from Duffield's reports that from 500 to 800 rebel cavalry and infantry made their appearance there at about 1 this p.m., and captured the place. They have a battery of at least four guns. Mosby is in command. Nothing has been heard of them, except that about 4 p.m. railroad hands came in on hand-car and reported guns in position at Brown's Crossing.

Very respectfully,

C. H. GATCH,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding at Kearneysville.

KEARNEYSVILLE, June 29, 1864.

Major MEYSENBURG,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The cavalry from Martinsburg has nor arrived yet (11 p.m.). All quiet here up to this time.

C. H. GATCH,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding at Kearneysville.

KEARNEYSVILLE, June 29, 1864-12 p.m.

Major T. A. MEYSENBURG,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

All quiet here. No movements of enemy to report. My command is on the alert. No cavalry has yet arrived from Martinsburg. The courier by whom I send this is here by accident. Unless cavalry arrives, will have no means of sending other dispatches.

Very respectfully,

C. H. GATCH,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding at Kearneysville

CAMDEN STATION, Baltimore, Md., June 29, 1864.

(Received 1 a.m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

On my return at 7 p.m. I found our telegraph line had been broken since 2 p.m.; that our east-bound trains due at Harper's Ferry had not been heard from for some hours and that it was stated that the enemy had appeared in force at Duffield's six miles west of Harper's Ferry. I immediately telegraphed to Colonel Weber for information.* I have received the following replies:

HARPER'S FERRY, June 29, 1864-9.06 p.m.

J. W. GARRETT,

President:

The enemy appeared in force at Duffield's about 1 o'clock to-day, and attacked our troops stationed there. Their intention was evidently to capture the train due at that hour, but fortunately late. The wires were cut, and we have no communi-

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*See p. 692.

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Page 694 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter XLIX.